The Quiet Work of a Flower Farm in February

February can look like a quiet month on the flower farm. There aren’t armfuls of blooms yet, and from the outside it might seem as though not much is happening. But behind the scenes, this is one of the most important times of the year.

Running Cicely Flowers is very much a one-woman operation, and February is when I lay the foundations for the entire growing season ahead.

Seed Sowing and Planning

By February, the kitchen table (and any spare surface) is often covered in seed packets, notebooks, and half-formed plans. This is the month for careful decision-making: what to sow, when to sow it, and how everything will fit together once spring arrives.

Some seeds are started early under cover, while others are patiently waiting their turn. It’s a balance between eagerness and restraint - sow too early and plants can struggle, sow too late and the season feels rushed.

Watching the Weather (Constantly)

February keeps me glued to the weather forecast. Frost, sudden mild spells, heavy rain - they all influence what I do each day. A few degrees can make the difference between protecting plants or letting them grow on naturally.

This time of year is about responding rather than controlling. Nature sets the pace, and I follow along as best I can.

Caring for Overwintering Plants

Many of the plants that will flower later in the year are already here, quietly doing their thing beneath the soil or under cover. February is about checking on them, keeping them healthy, and stepping in only when needed.

It’s gentle, repetitive work - removing damaged leaves, making sure plants aren’t sitting too wet, and giving them space to breathe. Not dramatic, but essential.

Preparing for Spring (Even When It Doesn’t Look Like Much)

There’s something reassuring about February on the farm. Even though growth is slow and visible flowers are few, everything is moving in the right direction.

This is the month where patience matters most. The work done now - often unseen - is what allows the abundance of spring to arrive naturally, without forcing or rushing.

Before long, the days will lengthen, the soil will warm, and the farm will begin to change almost overnight. February is the calm before that shift, and I’ve learned to appreciate it for what it is.

Quiet, steady, and full of promise.